I installed new Kentucky bluegrass sod on May 13 which thinned out at least 50% due to a fungus (I think it was leaf spot and melting out). I’m pretty sure it was because of too much water. I am looking for advice on how to prevent further damage and how to restore the thickness of the lawn.
I am trying to let the soil dry out, but the shade and rain doesn’t help. Earlier this week I raked it lightly but had to be very gentle since the soil was still wet. I am thinking of raking again to remove more of the dead grass/thatch when/if the soil surface dries out.
I am debating if I should seed and/or fertilize now. I have some Scotts starter fertilizer (24-24-4) and some quick release 30-5-5 and can purchase something else if more appropriate. I have been unsuccessful in finding pure Kentucky bluegrass seed. Given the shade and the fact that I have kids who will play on the lawn (running, soccer, etc.) should I stick with pure Kentucky bluegrass if I seed?
Can the remaining Kentucky bluegrass can spread with aggressive fertilizing to fill in the bare spots if I don’t add seeds? I wouldn’t mind picking up a few rolls of sod to replace the worst areas if this strategy will work.
I was also thinking of letting the remaining grass grow long (5" or 6") before mowing again to allow it to recover before additional stress. Is this a good idea?
I am open to suggestions.
Here is a history of the lawn:
- South facing backyard with 2 maple trees that provide shade for most of the day.
- Kentucky bluegrass sod was installed on May 13.
- Watered daily for the first 7 days
- Watered every other day from day 8 to about 10 or 12 when the grass was starting to lose a little rigour. I stopped watering as I realized I was adding too much water. The lawn improved within a couple days.
- I mowed at the highest setting around day 14 or 15 and it was looking really good.
- I noticed that black spots at approximately day 20 which I believe was leaf spot.
- Heavy rain at approximately days 20-23 to the point that the lawn was spongy to walk on.
- Lawn went downhill from here. Lots of those black spots on the grass and over the next week grass blades started going yellow and dying which I think was melting out.